The Chatham Light Artillery was formed at Savannah, Georgia, during the early
spring of 1862 with men from Chatham County. Throughout the war it served in
the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and saw action at
Charleston, Olustee, James Island, and Waynesborough. Later it was involved
in the defense of Savannah and a detachment was captured when Fort
McAllister fell in December, 1864. The remaining men probably served in
the campaign of the Carolinas and disbanded. Captains Joseph S. Claghorn and
John F. Wheaton were in command.